Early 20th-century actor and screenwriter who appeared in over 150 films, often playing comedic roles, and wrote scripts for silent movies. 12
George O'Hara, born George Bolger, was an American actor and screenwriter who rose to fame during the silent film era, captivating audiences with his dashing good looks and charming on-screen presence. He is best remembered for his starring roles in two-reel action and adventure serials, earning him the title of a popular matinee idol of the 1920s.
Born on February 22, 1899, in New York City, O'Hara was raised in Hollywood, California, where he began his acting career under contract with early Hollywood director Mack Sennett. Sennett saw great potential in the young actor, casting him in the commercially successful 1920 romantic film Love, Honor, and Behave, opposite Marie Prevost.
In 1921, O'Hara began working behind the camera, crediting him as an associate producer in the Ben Turpin film A Small Town Idol. He continued to work as a continuity and title writer throughout the 1920s, contributing to the film industry while maintaining a successful acting career.
O'Hara's popularity soared with his starring roles in two-reel action and adventure serials, such as The Pacemakers and Casey of the Coast Guard. His most notable serial, Fighting Blood, cast him as a boxer, a role that suited him well, given his passion for the sport.
With the advent of sound films, the film studios began to promote new actors, leaving many silent era actors, including O'Hara, struggling to find work. He quietly retired from the industry in the early 1930s, his once-promising career fading into obscurity.
O'Hara was an amateur boxer and moderately successful in the lightweight division of the sport. He bore a striking resemblance to the legendary actor John Barrymore, with whom he costarred in the silent film adaptation of Moby-Dick, The Sea Beast.
George O'Hara's contribution to the silent film era, though often forgotten, remains significant. His versatile career as an actor, screenwriter, and producer left an indelible mark on the industry, making him a notable figure in Hollywood's early days.
Born in 1898
Silent film star and director who charmed audiences with her expressive face and comedic timing, starring in over 100 films from 1912 to 1963.
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A pioneering actress, producer, and screenwriter who co-founded United Artists, revolutionizing the film industry with her creative vision and business acumen. She was a silent film star and one of the most popular actresses of her time.
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A swashbuckling pioneer of silent films, known for his daring stunts and charming on-screen presence, revolutionizing the action-adventure genre.
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A pioneering silent film comedian, known for his deadpan expression and ingenious physical comedy, who wrote, directed, and starred in his own films.
Born in 1893
Pioneering silent film star and stunt master, known for performing daring physical comedy and iconic scenes, such as hanging from a clock tower.
Born in 1895
Silent film heartthrob and sex symbol, known for his iconic roles in films like "The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse" and "The Sheik", captivating audiences with his exotic good looks and charming on-screen presence.
